Continuously variable transm
ission (CVT) (if so equipped)
5-68 Features and controls
5
While driving with the selector lever in the “D” (DRIVE), sports mode can be selected by pulling one of the sportronic steering wheel shifters toward you.In sports mode, rapid shifting is possible sim- ply by operating the sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter.
Unlike the manual transaxle, sports mode allows shifting with the accelerator pedal depressed.
CAUTION Upward shifts do not take place automati- cally in sports mode. The driver must make upward shifts in accordance with prevailing road conditions, making sure the engine rpm remains below the red zone on the tachome-ter. By rapidly moving the selector lever or spor- tronic steering wheel padd
le shifter to the “-
(SHIFT DOWN)” side tw
ice, it is possible to
skip one shift range (i.e., 3rd to 1st or 4th to2nd). Since sudden engine braking or accel- eration can cause a loss of traction, down- shifts must be made carefully in accordancewith the vehicle’s speed. On vehicles with a sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter, shift ranges may not change when the lateral paddle shifters are operated at the same time.NOTE
Shift ranges can only be selected in a for- ward direction from 1st to 6th. To reverse or park the vehicle, move the selector lever tothe “R” or “P” position.
To maintain good running performance, the transmission may refuse to perform an upshift when the selector lever or sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is moved to the “+(SHIFT UP)” position at certain vehiclespeeds. Also, to prevent over-revving of the engine, the transmission may refuse to per- form a downshift when the shift lever orsportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is moved to the “- (SHIFT DOWN)” position at certain vehicle speeds. When this happens, abuzzer sounds to indicate that a downshift is not going to take place. Move the selector lever gently between the manual and main gates and between posi- tions in the manual gate. And do not operatesportronic steering whee
l paddle shifter vio-
lently. Excessive force could damage the selector lever or sportronic steering wheelpaddle shifter.
Except for vehicles with manual gate
NOTE
NOTE
To return to “D” (DRIVE) operation, pull the sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter on the +(UP) side for longer than 2 seconds, or park the vehicle to change the selector leverposition indicator to “D” (DRIVE) and return to “D” (DRIVE) operation. When the sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is operated with the selector lever in the “L” (LOW) position, gear is not shiftedbecause the selectable shift range is limited.
+ (SHIFT UP) Transmission shifts up once by each opera- tion. - (SHIFT DOWN) SHIFT DOWN
SHIFT UP
Continuously variable transmission (CVT) (if so equipped)
Features and controls 5-69
5
N00538800154
In sports mode, the currently selected shift range is displayed on the information screen in the multi-information display.
Transmission shifts down once by each operation.
CAUTION Upward shifts do not take place automati- cally in sports mode. The driver must makeupward shifts in accordance with prevailing road conditions, making sure the engine rpm remains below the red zone on the tachome-ter. By rapidly moving the sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter to the “- (SHIFT DOWN)” side twice, it is possible to skip one shift range (i.e., 3rd to 1st or 4th to 2nd).Since sudden engine braking or acceleration can cause a loss of tract
ion, downshifts must
be made carefully in accordance with thevehicle’s speed. Shift ranges may not change when the lateral paddle shifters are operated at the same time.NOTE
Shift ranges can only be selected in a for- ward direction from 1st to 6th. To reverse orpark the vehicle, move the selector lever to the “R” or “P” position.
To maintain good running performance, the transmission may refuse to perform an upshift when the sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter is moved to the “+(SHIFT UP)” position at certain vehicle speeds.Also, to prevent over-revving of the engine, the transmission may refuse to perform a downshift when the sportronic steeringwheel paddle shifter is moved to the “- (SHIFT DOWN)” position at certain vehicle speeds. When this happens, a buzzer soundsto indicate that a downshift is not going to take place. Do not operate sportronic steering wheel paddle shifter violently. Excessive force could damage the sportronic steering wheelpaddle shifter.
Sports mode display
NOTE
NOTE
While driving in sports mode, the sports mode display may change to show “D” and shifting in sports mode may no longer bepossible. This indicates that cont
rols to drive in the
“D” position are operating normally in orderto lower the temperature of the continuously variable transmission (CVT) fluid; it does not indicate a malfunction. Once the temper-ature of the continuously variable transmis- sion (CVT) fluid drops, shifting in the sports mode will be possible again.
Continuously variable transm
ission (CVT) (if so equipped)
5-70 Features and controls
5
N00514500287
N00514900063
To gain extra acceleration in “D” (DRIVE) position (when passing another vehicle) push the accelerator to the floor if it is safe to do so in traffic conditions. The CVT will automati-cally downshift.
N00515000074
For short waiting periods, such as at traffic lights, the vehicle can be left in selector lever position and held stationary with the servicebrake.
For longer waiting periods with the engine running, the selector lever should be placed in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
N00515100062
To park the vehicle, first bring it to a com- plete stop, fully engage the parking brake,and then move the selector lever to the “P” (PARK) position. If you are going to l
eave the vehicle unat-
tended, always switch off the engine and carry the key.
Operation of the CVT
CAUTION Before selecting a position with the engine running and the vehicle stationary, fully depress the brake pedal to prevent the vehi- cle from creeping.Do not release the brakes until you are ready to drive away. The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the CVT is engaged, espe-cially when the engine speed is high (fast idle or air conditioning on). Depress the brake pedal with the right foot. Using the left foot could cause driver move- ment delay in case of an emergency. To prevent sudden acceleration, never run the engine at high rpms when shifting fromthe “P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) posi- tion. Operating the accelerator pedal while the other foot is resting on the brake pedal will affect braking efficiency and may cause pre-mature wear of brake pads. Use the selector lever in the correct shift position in accordance with driving condi- tions. Never coast downhill backward in the driv- ing shift position { “D” (DRIVE), “L” (LOW) or sports mode} or coast forward inthe “R” (REVERSE) position. Engine stopping and increased brake pedal and steering effort could lead to an accident.
Do not rev the engine with the brake pedal pressed when the vehicle is stationary. This can damage the CVT. Also, when you depress the accelerator pedal while holding down the brake pedal with theselector lever in the “D” (DRIVE) position, the engine revolutions may not rise as high as when performing the same operation withthe selector lever in the “N” (NEUTRAL) position.
Passing acceleration
NOTE
In sports mode, downshifts do not take place when the accelerator is depressed all the way to the floor.
Wa i t i n g
CAUTION
CAUTION To avoid transmission overheating, never try to keep your vehicle stationary on a hill by using the accelerator pedal. Always apply the parking brake and/or service brake. Unexpected acceleration may occur if the selector lever is in a position other than “P”(PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL). Before driving off from a stop, make sure that the selector lever is in “D” (DRIVE)position or “Sports mode” position.
Parking
Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shif
t Transmission) (if so equipped) Features and controls 5-77
5
N00540300068
When the ignition switch is set to the “ON” position, operate the Twin Clutch SST control mode switch (A) to change the control mode. When the engine is started, the control mode is automatically set to the “Normal” mode. Use the following procedures to change the control mode. While the vehicle is stopped or being driven, push the Twin Clutch SST control modeswitch forward.
While the vehicle is stopped or being driven, push the Twin Clutch SST control mode switch rearward.
N00540400043
When the ignition switch is set to the “ON”position, the currently selected control modeis displayed on the multi-information display.
N00540500031
Using the gearshift lever (A) or the sportronicsteering wheel shifters (B), shifting can beperformed manually.
Twin Clutch SST control mode switch
To shift from “Normal” mode to “Sport” mode
To shift from “Sport” mode to “Normal” mode
NOTE
If the Twin Clutch SST control mode switch is continuously pressed after a control modehas been selected, an erroneous operation prevention function operates and the control mode is automatically set to the “Normal”mode. If you would like to select a control mode again, return the ignition switch to the“ACC” or “LOCK” position and restart the engine. Then, push the Twin Clutch SST control mode switch.
Twin Clutch SST control mode display
Manual shift
Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shif
t Transmission) (if so equipped)
5-78 Features and controls
5
Shifting can be performed even while the accelerator pedal is depressed. This allows the driver to enjoy sporty driving, such as quick cornering, by nimbly down-shifting to reduce vehicle speed just before entering a curve.
N00540600032
While the vehicle is stopped or being driven,move the gearshift lever from the “D” (DRIVE) position in the main shift gatetoward the driver’s seat to select manual shifting.
Each time the gearshift lever is pulled rear- ward, the transmission shifts up 1 gear. In addition, each time the gearshift lever is pushed forward, the transmission shifts down1 gear.
CAUTION When manually shifting while the vehicle is being driven, select the correct shift position to control the engine speed so that the tachometer indicator does not enter the redzone. Sudden engine braking and rapid accelera- tion can cause the vehicle to skid. Shift down according to road conditions and vehicle speed. If both the left and right sportronic steering wheel shifters are operated at the same time,the transmission may not change gears.NOTE
Only the forward gears 1 to 6 can be selected. To reverse or park, place the gearshift lever in the “R” (REVERSE) or “P” (PARK) posi-tion. During manual shifting, downshifting will be performed automatically when the vehicle slows down and the transmission will down- shift to 1st gear before the vehicle stops.
If the gearshift lever or sportronic steering wheel shifters are operated repeatedly, the transmission will also shift repeatedly. In order to ensure driving performance, upshifting may not occur depending on the vehicle speed even if the gearshift lever or sportronic steering wheel shifters are oper-ated. In addition, in order to prevent exces- sive engine speed, the buzzer sounds and downshifting may not occur depending onthe vehicle speed even if the gearshift lever or sportronic steering wheel shifters are operated. When driving in an aggressive manner involving high engine rpm, sudden accelera-tion and/or deceleration, the Twin Clutch SST could take longer to shift due to higher fluid temperatures.
Shifting using the gearshift lever
Selecting manual shifting
NOTE
Shifting up and shifting down ç ç
SHIFT DOWN
SHIFT UP
Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shif
t Transmission) (if so equipped) Features and controls 5-79
5
Move the gearshift lever toward the front pas- senger’s seat to return to automated shifting.
N00540700033
While the vehicle is stopped or being drivenwith the gearshift lever in the “D” (DRIVE) position, manual shifting can be selected by pulling one of the sportronic steering wheelshifters toward you. Each time the +(SHIFT UP) sportronic steer- ing wheel shifter is pulled, the transmissionshifts up 1 gear.
Each time the - (SHIFT DOWN) sportronic steering wheel shifter is pulled, the transmis- sion shifts down 1 gear.
NOTE
After manual shifting is selected using the gearshift lever, shifting up and down can also be performed using the sportronic steering wheel shifters.
Returning to “D” range operation
NOTE
When the gearshift lever is moved to the “D” (DRIVE) position from the manual shift gate, it may automatically select a gear dif-ferent from the gear selected during manual shifting depending on vehicle speed or driv- ing conditions.
ç
Shifting using the sportronic steer- ing wheel shifters
Selecting manual shifting Shifting up- (SHIFT DOWN)
+ (SHIFT UP)
Shifting down ç ç
Twin Clutch SST (Sportronic Shif
t Transmission) (if so equipped)
5-80 Features and controls
5
When the gearshift lever is in the “D” (DRIVE) position, pull the +(SHIFT UP)sportronic steering wheel shifter toward youfor 2 seconds or more to return to “D” range operation.
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In manual shift, the currently selected gear isdisplayed on the multi-information display.
N00540800021
NOTE
After manual shifting is selected using the sportronic steering wheel shifters, shifting up and down can also be performed using the gearshift lever.
Returning to “D” range operation
NOTE
If manual shifting is selected using the spor- tronic steering wheel shifters when the gear- shift lever is in the “D” (DRIVE) position,the transmission will automatically return to “D” range operation before the vehicle stops.
ç
When the transmission returns to “D” range operation from manual shifting, it may auto- matically shift up or down from the gear selected using manual shifting depending on the vehicle speed or driving conditions. If manual shifting is selected using the spor- tronic steering wheel shifters, “D” rangeoperation will again be selected by moving the gearshift lever from the “D” (DRIVE) position toward the driver’s seat, then returnit toward the front passenger’s seat.
Manual shift display
NOTE
through
Operation of the Twin Clutch SST
CAUTION Before selecting a position with the engine running and the vehicle stationary, fullydepress the brake pedal to prevent the vehi- cle from creeping. Do not release the brakes until you are readyto drive away. The vehicle will begin to move as soon as the Twin Clutch SST is engaged. Depress the brake pedal with the right foot. Using the left foot could cause driver move-ment delay in case of an emergency. To prevent sudden acceleration, never run the engine at high rpms when shifting from the “P” (PARK) or “N” (NEUTRAL) posi- tion. Operating the accelerator pedal while the other foot is resting on the brake pedal willaffect braking efficiency, may cause prema- ture wear of brake pads and may cause engine damage. Use the gearshift lever in the correct shift position in accordance with driving condi- tions. Never coast downhill backward in the driv-ing shift position { “D” (DRIVE) or manual shifting} or coast forward in the “R” (REVERSE) position.Engine stopping and increased brake pedal and steering effort could lead to an accident.
All-wheel driving operation 5-88 Features and controls
5
traction when driving on slippery, wet or snow-covered roads a
nd when moving out of
mud. These vehicles, however, are not designedfor off-road use, and are unsuitable for driving on bumpy ground that may cause excessive strain.
Electronically controlled
4WD system vehicles should be driven only under the same conditions as are suitable for ordinary front-wheel drive vehicles. When turning a sharp corner in “4WD LOCK” position at low speed, a slight differ- ence in steering may be experienced similarto feeling as if the brakes were applied. This is called tight corner braking and results from each of the four tires being at a different dis-tance from the corner. The phenomenon is typical of 4-wheel drive vehicles. If this occurs, either straig
hten out the steering
wheel, or change to “2WD” or “4WD AUTO” mode. Set the drive mode-selector to “4WD AUTO” or “4WD LOCK” in accordance with the road conditions, and then gradually depress theaccelerator pedal for a smooth start.
Set the drive mode-selector to “4WD LOCK” and then gradually depress the accelerator pedal for a smooth start. Keep the pressure on the accelerator pedal asconstant as possible, and drive at low speed.
Turning sharp corners On snowy or icy roads
NOTE
The use of snow tires is recommended. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles, avoid sudden braking, and use engine brak- ing (downshifting).CAUTION Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration, and sharp turning. Skidding occurs and con- trol of the vehicle could be lost.
Moving out of mud
CAUTION If any of the following conditions occur, fol- low these procedures:• The engine coolant temperature display appears on the information screen in the multi-information display or the engine power drops suddenly. Refer to “Engine overheating” on page 8-4.
• The “ ” warning display or the “ ” warning display appear on the information screen in the multi-information display. Refer to “Warning display” on page 5-66.WA R N I N G When attempting to rock your vehicle out of a stuck position, be sure that the area around the vehicle is clear of people and physical objects. The rocking motion may cause the vehicle to suddenly launch for- ward/backward, causing injury or dam-age to nearby people or objects.NOTE
Avoid sudden braking, sudden acceleration and sharp turning; such operations couldresult in the vehicle becoming stuck. If the vehicle becomes stuck in muddy roads, it can often be moved with a rocking motion. Move the selector lever alternately between “D” (DRIVE) and “R” (REVERSE) posi-tions, while pressing
lightly on the accelera-
tor pedal.CAUTION